Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [170]
San Francisco Opera The San Francisco Opera was the second municipal opera in the United States and is one of the city’s cultural icons. Brilliantly balanced casts may feature celebrated stars like Frederica Von Stade and Plácido Domingo along with promising newcomers and regular members in productions that range from traditional to avant-garde. All productions have English supertitles. The season starts in September, lasts 14 weeks, takes a break for a few months, and then picks up again in June and July. During the interim winter period, future opera stars are featured in showcases and recitals. Performances are held most evenings, except Monday, with matinees on Sunday. Tickets go on sale as early as June for subscribers and August for the general public, and the best seats sell out quickly. Some less coveted seats are usually available until curtain time. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. (at Grove St.). 415/864-3330 (box office). www.sfopera.com. Tickets $15–$250; standing room $10 cash only; student rush $15 cash only.
The San Francisco Opera House.
Theater
American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) The Tony Award–winning American Conservatory Theater made its debut in 1967 and quickly established itself as the city’s premier resident theater group and one of the nation’s best. Numerous big-name actors have tread the boards here, including Annette Bening and Nicolas Cage. The A.C.T. season runs September through July and features both classic and experimental works. Its home is the fabulous Geary Theater, a national historic landmark that is regarded as one of America’s finest performance spaces. Performing at the Geary Theater, 415 Geary St. (at Mason St.). 415/749-2ACT (2228). www.act-sf.org. Tickets $14–$82.
Eureka Theatre Company Eureka houses contemporary performances throughout the year, usually Wednesday through Sunday. Check their website or call the theater for information on upcoming shows and how to purchase tickets (but be aware: Since they don’t produce the shows themselves, they won’t take reservations for any shows at the theater or sell them online). 215 Jackson St. (btw. Battery and Front sts.). For information, 415/788-7469, for tickets 255-8207. www.eurekatheatre.org. Ticket prices vary by company but are generally $22–$38.
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre San Francisco’s top African-American theater group performs in a 300-seat state-of-the-art theater. It mounts special adaptations from literature along with contemporary dramas, classics, and music. Performing at 620 Sutter St. (at Mason St.). 415/345-3980.www.lhtsf.org. Tickets $25–$32.
The Magic Theatre The highly acclaimed Magic Theatre, which celebrated its 40th season in 2006, is a major West Coast company dedicated to presenting new plays; over the years it has nurtured the talents of such luminaries as Sam Shepard and David Mamet. Shepard’s Pulitzer prize–winning play Buried Child had its premiere here, as did Mamet’s Dr. Faustus. The season usually runs from October through June; performances are held Tuesday through Sunday. A perk for anyone who’s been in previous years: In 2005 and 2006 they redecorated the lobby and added new seats in one of the theaters. Performing at Building D, Fort Mason Center, Marina Blvd. (at Buchanan St.). 415/441-8822.www.magictheatre.org. Tickets $20–$45; discounts for students, educators, and seniors.
Theatre Rhinoceros Founded in 1977, this was America’s first (and remains its foremost) theater ensemble devoted solely to works addressing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues. The company presents main-stage shows and studio productions of new and classic works each year. The theater is 1 block east of the 16th Street/Mission BART station. 2926 16th St. 800/838-3006.www.therhino.org.